Valve mechanism for pumps



5 Sheets-Sheet 1 F. G. HODSDON VALVE MEGHANISM FOR PUMPS Original Filed May 8, 1930 lllllllllllllllllllllllll/lllllll.v

ll/lIlllllllll/.l/'llllllllllllll/l/ Nov. l, 1932.

Nov. 1, 1932. F. G. HoDsDoN VALVE MECHANISM FOR /PUMPS Original Filed May 8. 1930 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 E RM MW mh l, 1932. F. G. HoDsDoN 'VALVE MECHANISM FOR PUMPS Nov.

Original Filed May 8, 1950 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 Patented Nov. 1, 1932 FLOYD G. HODSDON, OF LA GRANGE, ILLINOIS, ASSIGNOR TO INTERNATIONAL HARVESTER COMPANY, A CORPORATION OF NEW JERSEY VALVE MECHANISM FCR PUMPS Original application led May 8, 1930, Serial No. 450,660. Divided and this application led May 20,

The invention generally relates to an improved valve mechanism for pumps, and especially pumps of the vacuum kind used with milking machinery. The present application is a division of pending application Serial No. 450,660, filed May 8, 1930,

entitled Pumps.

The main obj ect of the invention is to improve pumps of this class from the' standio points of operation and manufacture.

The particular object is to provide an improved, compact valve mechanism, thereby achieving a much desired low clearance volume for the pump.

Other objects will become apparent to those versed in this art as the disclosureiscompleted.

These very desirable objects are achieved by the construction herein to be illustrated and described, which construction represents one embodiment whichV the invention may assume in practice, by way of example.

In the drawings:

y Figure 1 is a central,longitudinal sectional f view of the pump and vacuum tank combination as seen along the line 1 1 appearing in Figure. 3, as viewed in the direction of the arrows;

Figure 2 is a central, transverse, vertical, sectional view through the pump per se;

Figure 3 is a top plan view with the drive ing pulley for the pump shown in section;

Figure 4 is a top face view of the part of the valve plate assembly showing the spacer plate and the valves as they appear with the top valve plate removed, as seen along the line 4 4 appearing in Figure 6;

Figure 5 is a face view of the spacer plate per se;

Figure l6 is a central sectional view on an enlarged scale through the valve plate structure complete as would be seen when looking along the Aline 6 6 of Figure 4, or generally along the line 6 6 appearing in Figure 3; i5 Figure 7 is a similar sectional view showing only one of the valves as it appears along the section line 7 7, looking in the direction of the arrows appearing in Figure 4;

Figure 8 is a face view of one of the valve 50 plates per se;

Serial No. 538,729.-

Figure 9 isa face view of avalve ring;

Figure 10 is a transverse sectional view of this valve ring as appears along the line 10 10 in Figure 9; and, Y

Figures 11 and 12 are, respectively, top and side views of a crow-foot spring used in the valve structure.

First of all in describing the structure in detail, it is to be understood that a sub-base 15 of any appropriate form is provided, it being intended that such sub-base be fastened securely to a solid foundation in a convenient location in the cow barn, as near as p0ssible to the cows. One end of the base has made fast thereto in any convenient manner the crank case 16 comprising the pump. The lower end of the case 16 is provided with large, aligned side openings closed by bearing plates 17 bolted to the case to close said openings. Each plate is integrally formed with 7o a bearing sleeve 18 which protrudes inwardly and transversely, the two sleeves being c0- aXially aligned, as best shown in Figure 2. Webs 19 connect the sleeves and plates to strengthen and truss the bearings thus formed for the drive shaft 20. One end of said shaft protrudes from the face of one plate so that a drive pulley'21 may be secured thereto, while the shaft opening in the opposite bearing plate is closed by a Welch plug 22. Between the inner ends of the bearing sleeves 18, which, by the way, are spaced apart, the shaft 20 has formed thereon an eccentric wheel 23 around which is loosely disposed an eccentric ring 24 held against endwise displacement 85 from the wheel 23 by the side members 25 provided for that purpose. The ring 24 has formed therewith a vertically extending connecting rod 26, which is connected in the usual way to the wrist pin 27 carried inside a piston 28.

The piston 28 is r-eciprocable within a cylinder liner Vor sleeve 29, which hangs from its rest on the open top of the crank case downwardly into the case, as shown in Figures 2 95 and 3, and spaced from the walls of the case to leave a breather space 30, as will later be made more clear. The bottom of the case 16 constitutes an oil sump, which is supplied through the filler elbow 31 and may be drained through any suitable plug, not shown, iitted into the tapped opening 32 at the bottom of the case.

Secured by suitable cap screws to the top of the open crank case and on top of the cylinder sleeve 29 is the improved head 33. An improved valve mechanism, generally shown in Figures 1 and 2, at 34 is clamped between the case and head, as will later be more particularly described. The head, above the valves, is divided into an inlet chamber 35 and an eX- haust chamber 36 by means of a depending, vertical, cross partition 37 there being an eX haust lead .38 fitted into the head to communicate with the said exhaust chamber 36. The inlet chamber 35 is indirect communication with a short passage-way 39 formed in the head and leading to an enlarged head exten sion 40 having an annular flange 41 formed on its underside to receive and be closed by a vacuum can 42 having a tight bottom 43, and side handles 44. The can, at its top, carries a ange ring 45 on its exterior, a gasket ring 46 being used as a seal between the ring 45 and flange 41. A vacuum pipe line connection 47 extends from the enlargement 40, as shown. rlhe improved valve mechanism 34 between the head and crank case top vwill now be described in detail.

Looking to Figures 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8, it will be seen that the valve structure comprises three sheet metal plates, to-wit, a lower, and an upper valve plate 48, each designated by the same reference character, as they are the A same, and an intermediate spacer plate 49,

there being suitable gaskets 50 provided between the plates and adjoining parts, as best shown in Figure 6.

rlhe valve plates 48, as has been said, are identical, and, as shown in Figure 8, they are circular and formed with a marginal ring of breather holes 51. Each plate is divided into four quadrants, two of which, on one side of a diametric line, are each formed with an inner and outer ring of port holes 52, while the two other quadrants on the other side of the same diametric line are each provided with a single ring of port holes 53. Looking to Figure 5, it will be seen that the spacer plate has a half ring of marginal breather holes 54 and that the plate is also divided into four quadrants, each of which is formed with a large opening 55.

lhen the plates aresuperimposed -in assembly, as shown on an exaggerated scale in Figure A6, it will be seen that the double ring of holes 52 in the lower valve plate are beneath the single ring of holes 53 in the top valve plate on one side of a diainetric line. On the other side of the said line. the reverse arrangement prevails, as the holes 52 are on top while the holes 53 are on the bottom. rl'his relative disposition of the ports or holes results from the fact that the plates are oii set angularly a distance of 180 degrees with respect to each other. Thus, there will always be a half circle of breather holes 51 in the two valve plates 48 in registry with the half ring of breather holes 54 of the spacer plate. Making the two valve plates the saine way with a complete ring of breather holes simplifies manufacture, for, if only half circles of breather holes were to be provided, obviously said plates would have to be formed one as a right and the other as a left. These registering half rings of breather holes 51, 54 are all in registry further with a half ring of breather holes 56 leading through the flanges of the cylinder sleeve 29 and crank case top, as appears from Figures 1 and 3, to the breather space 30 heretofore described.

ln the four large holes of the spacer plate 49 are mounted four'valves, two of which are inlet valves and the other two being outlet valves. As shown best in Fignres 4 and 6, the outlet valves appear at 57' (see also Figures 9 and 10), the same made ring-shape of thin spring sheet metal. rlhe inlet valves appear at 58, and they are in all respects identical in structure with the outlet valves. The outlet valves 57, as shown in Figure 6, seat against the ports 53 in the lower valve plate 48 and are held down by the crow-foot springs 59 (see Figures 11 and 12), while the inlet valves 58 seat upwardly against the ports 53 in the upper valve plate 48 and are held up by inverted crow-foot springs 59. Each valve 57 58 is provided with two pins 60, which slide up and down in two of the valve holes 53 (see Figure 7), and in that way they are kept in their proper positions. Each crow-foot spring at its center is similarly provided with a pin 61 which fits into a hole 62 at the center of the double ring of ports 52 in the valve plates 48. Thus, the crow-foot springs are held in such a position that their four arms hold the valve rings 57 58 lightly to their seats. The entire valve plate assembly is additionally held together by a screw 63 pass-ed through the plates cen trally and up into the partition wall 37, as shown in Figures 1 and 2.

Any suitable motor, such as an electric motor, (not shown) will be secured to the subbase 15, said motor being belted to the pulley 21 of the pump to drive the same.

Before starting the vacuum pump in operation, the vacuum can 42 is resting on the sub-base 15 about a half an inch below the overhang of the cylinder head. In this manner there is no load on the vacuum pump when it is started, which is quite important, since the pump is directly connected by a V- belt to the motor. When the pump comes up to speed, the vacuum tank is lifted upwardly by grasping the two handles thereof until the tank is held up by vacuum (or the outer atmospheric pressure) and sealed by the rubber ring between it and the cylinder head overhang.

In operation then on the up stroke of the piston, the same comes within 15 of an inch of the lower valve plate. By using these sheet metal valve plates, it is possible to get a very low clearance volume, and this is important from the standpoint of elliciency. The valve plates besides being clamped between the head and case by the cap screws shown are also held by the screw 63 to the partition wall 37, said wall dividing the head into two parts,-the vacuum side towards the vacuum can, and the outlet side provided with the pipe outletBS, which pipe in the usual milking machine installation will be led outside of the building or else some dis tance away in order to get rid of any oily vapor and to reduce the noise.

here is no breathing' outlet in the crank case to tne outside air, as in conventionalA pumps, to take care of the expansion and contraction of air in the crank case due to the'piston movement. This is provided Jfor by the space SO-around the cylinder liner 29, which communicates with the bottom part of the crank case. Continuing, the piston now moves downwardly, drawing air out of the vacuum can,through the inlet chamber 35 and inlet valves 58, the air' passing through the holes 53 of the top valve plate and around both the inner and outer circumferential edges of the valves 58, and thence through the double ring of holes 52 in the bottom valve plate to the piston chamber. The upper part of rivets or studs of the valves 57, 58 is so proportioned that it may strike the upper valve plate on outlet valves and lower valve plate on inlet valves and thereby prevent the lower part of the stud from coming so far out of its hole as to permit the' valve ring to slide sideways; also, these studs prevent the rings from sticking to either' valve plates if the oil is heavy during low temperatures. A small amount of oil is also sucked up by the piston rings into the piston chamber, because, even though the lower end of the cylinder block is almost closed up, there is a considerable splash of oil from the sump onto the cylinder sleeve walls. Also at this moment the air in the crank case is slightly compressed by the downward movement of the piston, but it escapes up between the cylinder sleeve and wall (space 30) and upwardly through the holes 56 and the holes 5l, 54 around the edges of the plates 48, A9 into the outlet chamber 36 and through the discharge pipe 38.. During this part of the stroke, the outlet valves 5T have been closed, but now, as the piston goes upwardly, the inlet valves close and the out` et valves open, discharging the air out the discharge pipe 38. But, since the piston has now created a partial vacuum in the crank case, part of the air going out the outlet valves enters the breather pipe.

holes and space around the cylinder liner and goes into the crank case, and it also takes most of the oil that goes by the discharge valves back into the crank case.

The above cycle circulates the oil through the valves; makes them seal better; and, returns the oil back to the crank case. rlhis gives better lubrication to the moving parts and economizes on oil. Also, by this means, the crank case acts as an expansion chamber and so equalizes the intermittent ow of air from the outlet valves into a substantially steady stream through the discharge On the vacuum side, the air friction is reduced by having the vacuum can con nected closely and by relatively large passages to the inlet chamber of the pump.

By making the valve plates, and springs of sheet-metal stampings, thel construction was simplified and costs are reduced. 0bviously, extreme compactness also results.

rlhe vacuum can or tank functions to supply an even vacuum for use in a pulsator of the milking machine, thereby insuring even pulsations. The can will also catch dirt particles and keep the same from getting into the pump valves. Also, if milk is drawn into the pipe line from an overflowing bucket, it will collect in the tank away from the pump, so that it can readily beseen and emptiedout. Pipeline condensate will also be caught by the can.

' Obviously, the valve mechanism of this invention could be adapted for use in Vair compressors.

From the above detailed disclosure it will now be clear that structure has been provided which achieves all of the desirable objects heretofore recited for this invention. It is the intention to cover all changes and modifications of the example here chosen for purposes of illustration as do not materially depart from the spirit and scope of the invention, which is: indicated by the following claims.

TWhat is claimed is:

l. In a pump having a piston chamber and a head divided into inlet and exhaust chambers, valve mechanism between the piston chamber and head comprising an upper and` a lower plate, inlet and exhaust ports in said plates cooperating respectively with the inlet and exhaust chambers, a spacer plate between the two plates mentioned, said spacer plate provided with openings, inlet and exhaust valves nested in said openings, and means in said openings for holding the valves lightly to their respective ports.

2. In a pump vhaving a piston chamber and a head divided into inlet and exhaust chambers, valve mechanism between the piston chamber and head comprising an upper and la lower plate each divided into ourfquadrants, two of said quadrants on one side of a .diametric line each formed with a double ring of ports while the two quadrants on the other side of said line are forme-d each with a single ring of ports, the two plates when superimposed being disposed 180 degrees angularly relatively to each other, said superimposed quadrantally arranged ports cooperating so that two onone side lead' to the inlet chamber and the other two lead to the exhaust chamber, a spacer plate between the two plates mentioned, said spacer plate having four large qua-drantally' disposed holes, and spring pressed valve rings in said holes arranged so that two valve rings press upwardly to normally close the inlet ports and the other two valverings press downwardly to normally close the exhaust ports.

3. Valve mechanism for a pump of the kind described, said mechanism comprising a plate having a single ring of holes, a second plate having a double ring or" holes, a spacer plate between said two plates and formed with a relatively large hole, a at valve ring nested in said large hole, and a spring in said large hole lightly pressing the ring normally to close said single ring of holes in the first plate.

4. Valve mechanism for a pump of the kind described, said mechanism comprising a plate having a single ring of holes, a second plate having a double ring of holes, a spacer plate between said two plates and formed with a relatively large hole, a flat valve ring nested in said large hole, said ring provided with means to hold the same against lateral displacement, and a spring in said large hole lightly pressing the ring normally to close said single ring of holes in the rst plate.

5. Valve mechanism for a pump of the kind described, said mechanism comprising a plate having a single ring of holes, a second plate rhaving a double ring of holes, a spacer plate between said two plates and formed with a relatively large hole, a flat valve ring nested in said large hole, said ring provided with means to hold the same against lateral displacement, a spring in said large hole lightly pressing the ring normally to close said single ring of holes in the first plate, and means to prevent lateral displacement of the spring.

6. In a pump having a piston chamber and a. head divided into inlet and exhaust chambers, valve mechanism between the piston chamber and head comprising an upper and a lower plate each divided into four quadrants, two of said quadrants on one side of a diametric line each formed with a double ring of ports while the two quadrants on the other side of said line are formed each with a single ring of ports, the two plates when superimposed being disposed 180 degrees angularly relatively to each other, said superimposed quadrantally arranged ports cooperating so that two on one side lead to the inlet chamber and the other two lead to the exhaust chamber, a spacer plate between the two plates mentioned, said spacer pla-te having four large quadrantally disposed holes, a valve ring in leach hole are ranged so that two press upwardly to normally close the inlet ports and the other two rings press downwardly to normally close the exhaust ports, a crow-foot spring in each hole to urge the rings as described, means to guide the rings in their movement, and means to anchor the springs.

7. In a pump having a case and a piston sleeve spaced therefrom to provide a breather space, a head divided into inlet and exhaust chambers, valve mechanism between the head and piston sleeve comprising an upper and a lower plate, inlet and exhaust ports in said plates cooperating respectively with the inlet and exhaust chambers, a spacer plate between the two plates mentioned, said spacer plate provided with relatively large openings, and inlet and exhaust valves mounted in the said large openings, said valve plates and spacer plate having registering peripherally arranged holes registering in turn with the aforementioned breather space.

In testimony whereof 1 ax my signature.

FLOYD Gr. HODSDON. 

